Am I Addicted To Opioids?

Do you often take opioids in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended?

Do you experience a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control opioid use?

Do you spend a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain the opioid, use the opioid, or recover from its effects?

Do you experience craving, or a strong desire or urge to use opioids?

Does the recurrent opioid use result in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home?

Do you continue using opioid despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of opioids?

Are you giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of opioid use?

Do you recurrently use opioid in situations in which it is physically hazardous?

Do you continue using opioid despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance?

Do you experience a need for markedly increased amounts of opioids to achieve intoxication or desired effect, or do you experience a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of an opioid?

Did you cease or reduce opioid use that has been heavy and prolonged, or did you take an opioid antagonist after a period of opioid use, and did you experience three different symptoms such as dysphoric mood, nausea/vomiting, or muscle aches? Or do you take opioids to relieve/avoid withdrawal symptoms?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you are addicted to opioids. Opioids are used to help relieve pain. They lower the number of pain signals that your body send to your brain. Besides, they also change the way your brain responds to pain. Opioids are usually safe when you use them correctly. But there are people who do not follow their doctor’s advises or who obtain opioids illegally. You can be tolerant to, or dependent on a drug without being addicted. When abusing the drug, you may become addicted. Being addicted is a disease, and it means you can’t function without the drug. Always make sure that you use prescribed drugs or medication and avoid illegal drugs.

While it is unlikely that you are addicted to opioids, you may be displaying a sign related to it. Opioids reduce the perception of pain, but they can also cause confusion, nausea, and constipation. At high doses they can even cause difficulties breathing. An addiction to opioids has serious consequences such as disability, relapses, and in severe cases death. It may be important to talk to your doctor if you frequently take opioids. You may not need any treatment, but your doctor can give you useful advises to stop using the drug. The first step toward recovery and a better life is admitting that you have a problem with opioids and that you are motivated to change that.

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have opioid use disorder. It is crucial to seek medical attention. A diagnosis can be made when someone shows a problematic pattern of opioid use that affects the person’s life. Opioids can lead to physical dependence in a very short time, usually between four and eight weeks. When someone uses opioids chronically, stopping the use of it may lead to severe symptoms, such as anxiety, cramps, and generalized pain. Because these symptoms are very disturbing, users continue using the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Treatment for addiction includes medication along with behavioral therapy.